By BEN CAMERON
A TYNONG North woman has urged Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Graeme Moore to not bow to a group of “nervous Nellies” and to support as many off-leash dog areas as possible.
The Pakenham Gazette revealed last month that the council was proposing to axe five off-leash areas in the shire.
In an email to Cr Moore, Helen Ward said Maryknoll Recreation Reserve should be kept as an off-leash area.
“To the best of my knowledge it is used rarely by dog walkers but for those of us who do, it’s a great walking area, safe from traffic, quiet and out of the way,” she said.
“I would also suggest that for many off-leash dog walkers it is a mere parking spot and a means by which to reach the walking trails beyond the reserve.
“Yes the kids’ playground is close by and the tennis courts but again it comes down to handlers acting responsibly and not allowing their dogs to interfere with these users if they happen to be there at the same time.
“I don’t accept the concept of ‘user group conflict’.
“Throughout the shire there are many more walking areas for people without dogs than people with dogs who prefer to walk off-leash.”
She prefaced her comments by saying she had not visited all the areas but would support “as many of the locations as possible”.
“I believe it would be very short sighted and extremely unfortunate if council decided to close the nominated dog off-leash walking areas simply because of what appears to me to be the voice of a local minority of nervous Nellies,” she said.
“I am of the view that one should always try and offer solutions instead of just criticising so with that in mind has anyone considered establishing hours of use for the various user groups?
“No one is disadvantaged and everyone can continue to enjoy their own personal pursuits.”
She said that those people who were concerned about walking in an off-leash area should go somewhere else.
“Let’s remember that some members of the community are anxious around dogs no matter how well mannered the dog,” she said.
“These people should walk elsewhere.
“Assuming all locations are well sign posted as dog off-leash areas then I would argue those who do choose to walk in dog off-leash areas do so knowingly.”
Cr Moore said all residents had the chance to voice their opinion on the removal of off-leash areas by 7 November.
“If you think these proposed amendments might affect you, please give us your feedback.
“It is important that any new laws and policies reflect the views and priorities of residents,” he said.
The council has argued that the reserve is too close to a children’s playground and wildlife.
